Historical Note

Rosemont Corporation was founded in Marion, Virginia by Laura Lu Scherer Copenhaver (1868-1940), mother-in-law of writer Sherwood Anderson. With a view toward improving the standard of living for farm families of southwestern Virginia, Copenhaver advocated cooperative marketing strategies to sell locally made goods. In establishing Rosemont, Copenhaver coordinated the production of textiles by local women in her home, Rosemont. Initially offering coverlets made from local wool and based on traditional patterns, Rosemont soon expanded its production line to rugs, bed canopies, and other hand- and machine-made items. The company boasted a worldwide customer base. Following Copenhaver's death, Minerva May Scherer, dean of Marion College and sister of Copenhaver, served as Rosemont's director. In 1960, Copenhaver's children incorporated the company as Laura Copenhaver Industries, Inc. The company continued into the 21st century to manufacture and sell textiles.

Found in 1 Collection or Record: